Christmas Eve Vespers

The Nativity of Our Lord

December 24, 2017 † 3:00 and 5:00 P.m.

St. John’s Lutheran Church † Northfield, Minnesota

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Welcome to worship at St. John’s!

We especially welcome all who are visiting!

All are invited to sign the welcome sheets in the red books at the end of the pews.

Please pass them down to the center and then back so you can greet those worshipping around you.

Ushers will gather these following worship.

In the pew hymnal (Evangelical Lutheran Worship), page numbers are at the bottom of the page in the front section,

and hymn numbers are at the top of the page in the hymn section.

An asterisk (*) invites you to stand as you are able.

Children’s Bibles and activity bags are available at both entrances to the Sanctuary

and scribble cards are available in the pews.

Hearing assistance devices are available outside the sanctuary or from an usher.

Large print bulletins are available for worship services. Please ask an usher if you would like one.

Welcome Statement

St. John’s Lutheran Church is a community grounded in the promise of God’s grace, and called to extend Christ’s welcome to all people.

Every day, Christ meets us all just as we are, extending love to people of every age, race or ethnicity, physical appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity,

physical or mental ability, marital or relationship status, economic circumstance, educational achievement, political affiliation, or religious background.

While we do not always agree, we choose to walk and grow in faith together, believing that God creates diversity, and loves and welcomes us.

We warmly welcome you here.

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Prelude — (3:00) A Garland of Christmas Carols

(5:00) “On Christmas Night” arr. Evelyn Larter “The Winter Moon” arr. Daniel Burton “O Little Town of Bethlehem” arr. Arne Running

Welcome and Announcements

*Hymn — No. 283 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

Stanzas 1, 2, and 3

*Litany of Light

P Jesus Christ is the Light of the world,

C The light no darkness can overcome.

P Let your light scatter the darkness,

C and illumine your church.

*Prayer of the Day

P Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

Hymn of Praise — No. 279 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Stanzas 1 and 2

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Reading — Isaiah 9:2-7 Pew Bible, page 555

(3:00) Anthem — “To Bethlehem” W. H. Parry

Jubilate and Laudate Choirs

(5:00) Anthem — “I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve” arr. John Ferguson

St. John’s Chorale

Reading — Luke 2:1-20 Pew Bible, page 832, Spark Story Bible, page 212

Homily (3:00) Pastor Jonathan Davis

(5:00) Pastor Pam Fickenscher

(3:00) Hymn — No. 277 “Away in a Manger”

Stanza 1 — children

All singing: The cattle are lowing; the baby awakes,

but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky

and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.

Following the hymn, children not in the choir may return to their seats. Anthem — “One Starry Night” Dale and Linda Wood

Alleluia Choir

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Hymn — No. 267 “Joy to the World”

*Prayers of the People After each petition:

L On this holy night,

C hear our prayer.

*The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Anthem at the Offering

(3:00) “Gloria” 16th Century French

(5:00) “O Yule, Full of Gladness” Norwegian Carol, arr. Carolyn Jennings

*Offering Hymn — “What Child Is This” greensleeves

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.

Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby; joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!

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*Offering Prayer

L Let us pray together.

a Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessings for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *Sharing the Light of Christ

(3:00) To light your glow stick, gently bend it until you hear it crack.

(5:00) As the light comes to you, please dip your unlit candle towards the flame.

*Hymn — No. 281 “Silent Night, Holy Night” Stanza 1 — Solo, sung in Georgian

All singing:

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherd quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heav’nly hosts sing, alleluia! Christ, the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.

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*Prayer for Peace

P Let us pray. O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your church, peace among nations, peace in our homes, and

peace in our hearts; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C Amen.

*Blessing

P Let us bless the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

P The peace of + God, which surpasses all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

C Amen.

(5:00) As the lights come up, please carefully extinguish your candle.

Please leave your candle in baskets outside the sanctuary.

*Hymn — No. 290 “Go Tell It On The Mountain”

*Peace

P The peace of Christ be with you always.

C And also with you. You are invited to share God’s peace with those around you.

*Postlude — “Joy to the World” Kristina Langlois

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Acknowledgments Cover art by Judy Swanson.

Portions of the liturgy are reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress license #14028-LIT. Other liturgical aids are from Sundays

and Seasons © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted with permission. Liturgy setting: Setting Four, reprinted with permission.

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Thank you to all who have given these

plants which bring God’s beauty into our

worship space. Plants may be taken home

after worship tomorrow, Christmas Day.

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Pam Fickenscher and Jonathan Davis, Pastors

Carol Benson, Director of Alleluia and Jubilate Choirs

Julie Brehmer, Director of Children’s Ministry

Tim Byers, Facility Manager

Leah H. Garlie, Office Manager

Angie Gehring / Rebekah Thomas, Youth Support Staff

Christy Hall-Holt / Mary Kelvie, Shared Ministry Coordinators

Zachery Pelletier, Director of Rejoice Ringers

Marvin Perez, Security and Custodial Assistant

Nathan Proctor, Organist and Director of Worship, Music & Arts

Bernie Renander, Financial Manager

Melissa Berthelsen, Parish Nurse

Call the church office or check the website for a complete listing of staff emails.